families pennines issue 4 september-october 2011

P e n n i n e s

The really useful magazine for parents in the boroughs ofCalderdale, Kirklees, Oldham, Tameside and Littleborough

Off to school

But which one is the right one?

Back to school Key things parents need to know

Clubs & classesFun things for spare time

FREEIssue 4

September/October 2011www.familiespennines.co.uk

2

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● Structured 45 minute sessions● Jumping, rolling, climbing, balancing● Fun songs and rhymes● Specially designed children’s equipment● Separate classes for ages 7 months to 7 yrs● Tuesday – Northowram, Halifax● Wednesday and Saturday – Huddersfield● Thursday – Holmfirth● Friday – Denby Dale

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Please say you saw us in Families Pennines 3

Visit www.familiespennines.co.uk to winCOMPETITION

To enter, visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/competitions Terms & conditions apply.Closing date for the competition is Monday 31 October 2011

Pennines

Get your Christmas season off to a great start. Families Pennines has two family tickets for you to win to

the Saturday 10 December performance at 5pm.

Win family tickets to see

at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax

Congratulations to the winners of our May/June competitionMandy from Netherton and Rebecca from Honley

Welcome to Families Pennines C O N T E N T S

Autumn has always been my favourite season – something about the colours, smells and weather. For me, nothing beats being wrapped up warm on a crisp, sunny autumn day with leaves crunching underfoot in the countryside, returning home to a delicious hot chocolate as the light fades. It doesn’t happen very often but it’s lovely when it does.

It’s also the start of the school year and this issue is packed with useful information about schools, clubs and classes for babies through to teenagers – so our print what’s on only gets one page – but there are lots more listings on the website w w w.famil iespennines.co.uk/whatsonHope you have fun

Louise Bennett Editor

Contact us [email protected] Tel: 01457 870112 w w w.famil iespennines.co.ukNext issue: November/December Families Pennines is free to our readers thanks to our advertisers.Design by Russell Finneran 01457 873300 w w w.stonehousecreativeser vices.co.ukPrinted by Warwick Printing Tel: 01926 883355 w w w.war wickpr int ing.co.uk Cover & page 6: PR Shots: F&F @Tesco – clothes from £3-£14

Copyright Families Pennines September/October 2011

Families Pennines is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is a Families Franchise independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families not its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Page 4 & 5

News – what’s happening near you

Page 6

Back to school – things that parents need to know

Page 8 & 9

Which school? – how do you get it right?

Pages 12 - 15

Clubs & classes – fun things for babies to teens

Pages 11

September & October What’s On

Benetton @ Peters Huddersfield 10% discount in September See advert voucher on page 2

Fun & Glitter 10% discount See advert on page 2

Kiss it Better First Aid Courses 10% discount this autumn See page 11 what’s on for dates & details

Urchin Kids £10 off when you spend £30+ See back cover advert

www.kissitbetterfirstaid.co.uk Contact: 07903 655195

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Antenatal First Aid Workshop - £12.50

Parent First Aid Course - £50

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Great offers in Families Pennines

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Children’s labelling company Labels4Kids are recruiting sales agents. In exchange for a small start-up cost, readers who refer friends and family to the company’s website can earn money back in commission. You show and explain products you like to others who may also benefit from their use, and make some money too.

Over the years Labels4Kids has been entered in, and won, numerous high profile awards, including Online Retailer of the Year in 2010.

There’s also a Labels4Kids Facebook page where discount offers and news are posted.

To order, go to w w w.labels4kids.com/fam To ask about becoming an agent, emai l sa [email protected]

A group of Huddersfield mothers are trying to make life easier for those families who can’t afford new school uniforms for their children this year.

Uniform Exchange is the response of Scapegoat Hill’s Kate France and her friends to the programme Poor Kids, seen on BBC1 this summer.

Kate explains, “We’d not previously realised the level of poverty in the UK.” When they found that school uniform grants have been cut across Kirklees this year, affecting thousands, they were determined to help.

In partnership with the Huddersfield-based National Children’s Centre, and with support from Kirklees Council, they will

400 year old Hulme Grammar steps right into the 21st Century this term with the launch of its media centre in October.

The Oldham school is teaming up with Tameside media company, Banter Media, to turn a classroom in the Brierley Arts Studio into a multi-media centre giving sound, video, graphics and photographic capability.

NewsWhat's happening near you

Labels4kids - for cash

Take a uniform stance against poverty

Ancient meets modern

What's happening near you

collect unwanted uniforms from schools, local Sure Start Centres and other places, recycle the items and make sure children who need them get them free of charge.

Any items beyond repair will be sold as rags to raise funds and there’s a donate option on the website for those who don’t have uniform to give. Items can be donated at any point during the year – as children grow all the time!

For more information on Uniform Exchange, collection points and how to donate, please visit their website w w w.uniform- exchange.org or r ing the Nat ional Chi ldren’s Centre on 01484 519988.

Hulme Old Boy, Liam Andrew Wright, is the founder and Director of Banter Media www.bantermedia.com. He’s really looking forward to working with pupils from Year 5 upwards in twice-weekly workshops.

“It's such an exciting time for Hulme," he says. "This centre is will allow pupils to explore and develop their creative talents and open up doors for them that were previously closed."

Peppa Pig will visit Countryside Kids on Saturday 17 September to celebrate their first birthday. The fantastic Uppermill pram, nursery and toy shop will have prize giveaways such as two £50 pram vouchers, four £10 Wheelybug vouchers, plus £5 & £1 gift vouchers.

If you buy a pram from their extensive, high quality range such as iCandy, Quinny and Maxi Cosi, during their birthday week, 17-24 September, you’ll receive a FREE Trunki case.

For children, there’ll be face painting, art & craft games and a FREE lucky dip.

The family run shop has done well in tough economic times because of the quality of products on sale, the reasonable pricing and the personal service from owners Rob and Leesa Woollin.

The next opportunity for your school to take part in a biathlon will be Monday 17 October.

Schools will compete to have their name engraved on the shield for the second Heathfield Pennine Biathlon.

The Rishworth school is 5 minutes from junction 22 of the M62 and the competition is open to any school in the Families Pennines area. For more information emai l cbouckley@heathf ie ldjunior.co.uk or r ing 01422 823564.

That’s the view of Huddersfield mum, Sherlena Fahy. When her son Toran, 2 1/2, started having serious fainting episodes she was worried and upset. “Toran holds his breath till he faints and turns blue – it looks like he’s passed away,” she explains. Doctors found nothing wrong with Toran – he just takes that familiar toddler breath-holding scarily further than most.

So Sherlena turned to Emerald Brook of Kiss it Better. Emerald visited Sherlena and her sister-in-law, who has a 5 and a 2 year old, at Sherlena’s home where they spent four hours learning first aid geared towards their own particular needs.

“Emerald is so patient and easy-going. She really listens to you as well,” says Sherlena. The main difference for Sherlena is that now, when Toran faints, “I have the confidence to stand back, not panic and I go through a calm process to assess Toran and make sure he will be ok – and if the worst did happen and he stopped breathing, I’d know what to do.”

Sherlena can’t recommend Emerald highly enough and with a new baby due in December she plans on asking Emerald to visit again.

Kiss it Better is offering a 10% discount to anyone who quotes Families Pennines when they book onto a course.

Vis i t w w w.kiss i tbetter f i rsta id.co.uk or r ing 07903 655195. S ee the What ’s O n, page 11, for course dates this i ssue.


Peppa Pig says Happy Birthday to Countryside Kids

Kiss it Better works



counting on you!



Pennine Biathlon update

With extensive retail experience and a family of 3 children, aged 11 years to 4 months, the Woollins understand what their customers need. The shop is laid out so pram buyers have a good test-run

and you can try loading a pram and fitting a car seat into your car before

buying. There’s also a nursery and Christmas club on offer to spread the cost of those crucial times.

You can find Countryside Kids at the top of Court Street in Uppermill, just up from the Co-op.

For detai ls r ing 01457 810566 or v is i t w w w.countr ys idekids.co.uk


Homework You’ll soon look back upon the days of reading books and learning individual letters as a halcyon time. If you’re anything like me, you might find that homework is taking up far too much of your – and your child’s - time.

The Government is keen to promote homework and offers specific guidelines. These suggest an hour a week for Years 1 and 2, one and a half hours a week for Years 3 and 4, and 30 minutes a day for Years 5 & 6.

The idea behind homework is that it builds on what children have learnt at school. The aim is to help learning and encourage children to study on their own and be self-disciplined. It’s not supposed to rely on parents teaching their children new concepts.

But for pupils, homework can become a real burden, and doesn’t actually seem to enhance learning a great deal. There’s no definite link between homework and student achievement.

In fact, for primary-school children, there appears to be no link at all. A review of 75 years’ worth of studies by the University of London’s Institute of Education found that the benefits were negligible.

As a child moves up the school, I think homework can help with exam preparation and possibly time-management skills. But I’m not convinced that children need so much of it. However, the reality is that homework does exist, so here are some tips to ease the pain:

Sport at schoolYou may notice that your child plays a lot less school sport than you used to. PE is part of the National Curriculum, but not a big part. In Key Stage 1, children take part in some combination of dance, games and gymnastics twice a week, but dancing to nursery rhymes never really appealed to my daughter. In Key Stage 2, this continues, plus athletics, ‘outdoor pursuits’ or swimming (still across only two sessions a week).

One major problem is that lots of schools don’t have sporting facilities and playing fields have been sold off (private schools tend to have much better facilities). Also, sporty kids tend to play their sports at clubs outside school (or ironically, in after-school clubs on school premises, but run by other people).

Do encourage your child to play sport, in or outside school, as it will set them up for

Back to school A new school year and it’s not just the children who have things to learn. Author, mother & Times journalist Sarah Ebner offers some ideas on three key areas for parents to think about.

Find somewhere quiet to do it – not in front of the TV or around

loud younger siblings.

Don’t do it too late – your child, and you, shouldn’t do homework

when you’re too tired.

If all else fails, offer bribes – for instance, tell them they can play on

the computer only after they’ve finished.

Set up a workstation – a desk or table rather than the floor.

Don’t help if you don’t know – it’s confusing if you offer help with

maths, but don’t know the methods your child uses

1

3

5

2

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life. And take heart: the revised curriculum recently announced by the Government promised an element of competitive sport.

The next step: secondary schoolsIt’s vital for you to start thinking about secondary schools before your child enters Year 6. So, you need to look up OFSTED reports, find out about schools near you and speak to local parents.

There may be all sorts of application criteria which you need to address a year or so ahead (for faith schools, for example), and if you’re choosing a school which selects its pupils in some way (either academically or in a particular area such as music) you might want to think about hiring a tutor. You should go on Open Days when your child is in Year 5 (or earlier if you’re very keen!).

Don’t choose a school on the basis of your child’s friendships (or yours for that matter). They will make new friends, and you need to make sure this is the right school for their personality and abilities, not anyone else’s. Take advantage of parents’ evenings to find out how your child is doing. If teachers don’t give specific information, press them. There’s no point entering your child for a selective school if they are not going to get in, or manage the work once they are there.

Sarah Ebner is the author of The Starting School Survival Guide: everything you need to know when your child starts primary school, published by White

Ladder and is available from bookshops and Amazon


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Senior School: Friday 14th October 7.00 p.m. – 9 p.m.

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Which school? A crucial decision

School Age range Contact details Open Days

Bradford Grammar 6-18 www.bgs.bradford.sch.uk 1 October 01274 542492Farrowdale House 3-11 www.farrowdale.co.uk Ring to visit 01706 844533Firwood Manor 2¾-11 www.firwoodmanor.org.uk Ring to visit 0161 620 6570 Heathfield/Rishworth 3-18 www.rishworth-school.co.uk 15 & 17 October 01422 822217 Hipperholme 3-18 www.hgsf.org.uk 14 & 15 October 01422 202256 Huddersfield Grammar 3-16 www.huddersfield-grammar.co.uk 1 October 01484 424549 Hulme 3-18 www.hulme-grammar.oldham.sch.uk 7 & 8 October 0161 624 4497 Rastrick Independent Birth-16 www.rastrickschool.co.uk Ring to visit 01484 400344 Silcoates 6months- www.silcoatesschool.co.uk 8 October 18 years 01924 291614 The Gleddings 3-11 www.thegleddings.co.uk Ring to visit 01422 354605 The Mount 3-11 www.themount.org.uk Ring to visit 01484 426432 Wakefield Grammar 3-18 www.wgsf.org.uk 1 October School Foundation 01924 231600

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most daunting things a parent has to do. Get it right and they may indeed turn out to be the best years of their lives. Get it wrong and they and you may have a miserable time and look back with regret. No pressure then! Here at Families Pennines we like to be helpful. So we offer some thoughts on the selection process, a contacts table for the independent schools in the area and a brief report on three of them.

These days all schools – state and independent - have a mission statement to the effect that they value each individual and will nurture their talents together with their moral and physical well-being. The spectre of Dickens’ Yorkshire headmaster in Nicholas Nickleby, Wackford Squeers, has been well and truly banished.

School websites and inspection reports reveal a school’s aims and its success in achieving them but soon your head is spinning and it’s almost impossible to decide.

don’t alarm the school or neighbourhood watch in the process!

Does the playground seem a happy place? If windows are open do you like the sounds you hear? Does the lunch smell good? What’s the atmosphere and safety like at drop-off and pick-up times? Do the school, the pupils AND the parents look like they’re good neighbours to the local inhabitants and vice versa? If parents are waiting at the school gate, ask them what they think of the place.

If a school offers ‘taster days’ for prospective pupils, then encourage your child to give it a go and do listen to their views – after all, they’re the ones who will be spending the time there.

Local authorities provide parents with details of state schools and the deadlines for applications. The Families Pennines area is also served by independent schools whose contact details and open day information is listed below.

The two best things you can do, whether looking at state or independent schools, are simple and practical. 1) visit them; 2) talk to the pupils, parents and teachers.

State and independent schools often hold open days. If they don’t, ring to ask for a visit because if a school isn’t willing to let you see them in action, then is that really where you want your child to go?

Guided tours are very useful – particularly if pupils are your guide as it gives you a chance to find out their take on the school. And whilst a school is unlikely to ask discontented children to act as guides, you should get some sense of whether they have a pride in the school, feel comfortable in their surroundings and present themselves as good ambassadors.

As with choosing a house, if you can find time to visit the school’s surroundings at different times of the day you’ll get a fuller sense of the atmosphere than a guided tour can give – though do be careful you

www.familiespennines.co.uk tel: 01457 870112


Hipperholme Grammar School FoundationFounded in 1648, Hipperholme Grammar School aims to provide its pupils, aged 3-18, with a sense of identity and the confidence to be comfortable in any social setting.

Boys and girls are taught together in classes with a maximum size of 22 pupils. The junior school, formerly Lightcliffe Preparatory School, is not academically selective. However, the senior school is and prospective pupils take an entrance exam and are interviewed by the Headmaster. Scholarships are available, including music and choral ones. The school’s choral scholarship programme provides gifted choristers with the opportunity to sing with the prestigious Bradford Cathedral Choir.

Hipperholme is a small school which means that everyone can be involved in everything. Whilst placing a strong emphasis on academic achievement at the senior level, the school also embraces the new. For instance, a recently established cheerleading team became UK champions in a variety of competitions. A remarkable 9% of pupils are national champions in their chosen sport.

The school encourages participation in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and organises a variety of overseas trips to help prepare pupils for the modern international world.

Hipperholme Grammar is to the east of Halifax and has school bus services which cover the Calderdale and Kirklees areas.

Heathfield/RishworthThis 130 acre school nestles in a peaceful wooded valley only 5 minutes from the hustle and bustle of junction 22 of the M62 – giving pupils an idyllic learning environment and parents easy commuting

by car. The school bus service also covers the Families Pennines area.

Rishworth School was established in 1724 and the junior school, Heathfield, opened in 1952. Boys and girls are taught together in small class sizes. The school is mixed ability, though an entrance exam is taken for senior school entry to assess the potential for learning. Heathfield pupils usually continue to Rishworth, giving the prospect of a streamlined education from 3-18. Academic, sporting and music scholarships are available for senior school entry.

The extensive grounds provide pupils with facilities including a full size swimming pool, sports fields and a wooded area, known as the Dingle, which allows Heathfield pupils to study nature at close quarters – notably nesting kingfishers and woodpeckers.

Rishworth is also a boarding school, attracting pupils from around the world – bringing an international dimension to pupils’ school life. And if your career takes you away on business, Rishworth offers flexible boarding for pupils on an ad hoc basis – pupils may also board during the week, returning home at weekends.

Oldham Hulme Grammar SchoolsCelebrating their 400th year in 2011, Oldham’s Hulme Grammar Schools educate pupils aged 3-18 in a ‘diamond’ structure. This provides mixed classes for ages 3-7, single sex classes for ages 7-16 and a return to co-education for sixth form, combining the academic benefits of single-sex education for key academic years with preparation for life beyond school by beginning and ending education in a mixed environment.

From this September, there will be further integration for junior school children in some lessons after the success of experiments such as a mixed class of Year 3 children being shown a Jamie Oliver programme in which he cooked an omelette – but with the sound turned down.

Pairs of boys and girls co-operated in drawing up a set of instructions for how to cook an omelette. A senior school domestic science class had to follow the instructions to the letter – leading to some interesting creations, particularly if the key instruction of ‘break the eggs’ was missing! A lesson never to be forgotten.

The school is academically selective, with alumni such as Professor Brian Cox, John Stapleton and Sarah Lancashire. Bus services bring pupils from the boroughs of Rochdale, Oldham and Tameside to its location south of Oldham town centre, close to junction 22 of the M60.

10 tel: 01457 870112www.familiespennines.co.uk

open events C COME AND EXPERIENCE...

Rishworth, West Yorkshire HX6 4QA. Telephone: 01422 822 217E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rishworth-school.co.uk

RishworthSchool&HeathfieldIndependent Co-educational Day and Boarding School - Continuous education from 3-18 years

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Open Morning: Saturday 15th October, 9:30am - 12:30pm

Heathfield Open Afternoon: Monday 17th October, 1:15 - 6:00pm

Open Evening: Monday 17th October, 6:00- 8:30pm

Year 7 Entrance Assessment: Saturday 12th November, 9am

Sixth Form Open Evening: Wednesday 16th November, doors open 6:30pm, address by Head of Sixth Form 6:45pm

Rish Heath families Pennines ad:Layout 1 04/07/2011 12:43 Page 1

11Please say you saw us in Families Pennines

Sunday 9 October Kiss it Better Baby First Aid Workshop For expectant & new parents (newborns welcome!). 2-4pm £12.50 each. B ooking essent ia l – r ing Emerald Brook 07903 655195 QUOTE FAMILIES PENNINES & RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT. w w w.kiss i tbetter f i rsta id.co.uk Cote Royd House, 7 Hal i fax Road, Edger ton, Huddersf ie ld HD 3AN

Thursday 13 October Meet children’s author & illustrator Debi Gliori. Storytelling & drawing for children aged 4-8. Debi will talk about her picture book Scariest Thing of All. 3.45-4.30pm. Free. Lindley L ibrar y, Huddersf ie ld HD3 8JE 01484 222172

Saturday 15 October NCT Nearly New Sale Baby & nursery equipment, toys, books & baby/toddler clothing. Admission £1 (in aid of NCT charity). 1-3pm, Champness Hall, Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1PB. R ing 0844 2436233 or rochdalenns@hotmai l.co.uk

Sunday 16 October Roary the Racing Car – Champion of Champions Roary 'zooms' into the Victoria Theatre in a brand new live stage show. It's the day of the 'Champion of Champions' race at Silver Hatch and Roary is all set to battle it out with Maxi, Cici, and all the other cars to win the race and lift the trophy! 12pm & 2.30pm. Adults £14, Under 16s £12. Family tickets available. Vic tor ia Theatre, Fountain St, Hal i fax HX1 1BP R ing 01422 351158

Saturday 22 October Little Bo Peep Sing nursery rhymes as magnificent puppets bring family favourites to life. Child £4.50, Adult £6. 11am & 2pm. Lawrence B at ley Theatre, Q ueen’s S quare, Huddersf ie ld HD1 2SP 01484 430528 w w w.thelbt.org

Tuesday 25 October Family fun day Supporting African painted dog conservation. Yorkshire Wildl i fe Park , near D oncaster DN4 6TB Tel 01302 535057 w w w.yorkshirewildl i fepark .com

Half-term holiday hike 4 miles, easy walk for those aged 5+. Must be accompanied by parent/carer. Meet Liz of Kirklees Countryside Volunteers by viaduct below the railway station off Wakefield Road (A636) at 1.45pm. Bring a small picnic. R ing S usan D oran 07979 292781

Wednesday 26 October An evening with Jacqueline Wilson The children’s author helps celebrate 40 years of Kirklees & Calderdale Children’s Book Group with this event at Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms. Copies of her new book, Sapphire Battersea, will be available for sale & signing. £19.50 for 3 course meal & coffee. D etai ls contac t Chi ldren’s B ookshop, 37-39 L idget Street, L indley, Huddersf ie ld. HD3 8JE 01484 658013

Thursday 1 Sept – 30 October Mary Queen of Scots: Facts & Fiction Lyme Park hosts a National Portrait Gallery display examining the portrayal of this romantic & tragic figure in the centuries following her execution. Daily 12-5pm. National Trust members free. Admission charge for non-members. R ing 01663 762023 Lyme Park , D is ley, Stockpor t SK12 2NR

Mondays 5, 12, 19, 26 September Wednesdays 7,14,21,28 September Mondays 3,10,17,24, 31 October Wednesdays 5,12,19,26 October Cathedral Mice Baby & toddler group – lots of toys, healthy snacks, themed song time, outdoor play when dry! 9.30-11.30am 1st visit free – then £1.50 for 1 adult + 3 children. Cathedral House, St Thomas Road, Huddersf ie ld HD1 3LG

Saturday 10 & 24 September Saturday 8 & 22 October Saturday Art Club, Bankfield Museum, Halifax Saturday 17 September Saturday 1,15,29 October Saturday Art Club, Smith Art Gallery, Halifax Road, Brighouse While the adults go shopping, children aged 8-12 take part in a fun and creative workshop. We explore a variety of art and craft activities using the gallery exhibitions and museum collections for inspiration. £4 per child. 10.30-12.30pm emai l jef f [email protected] or r ing 01422 284459

Saturday 10 September Friezland horse & bike fun ride A fun circular ride along the Pennine bridleway & quiet lanes of Saddleworth. Choice of 2 routes. Rosette awarded on your return. £5 fee. Bring own food & drink. Entr y forms f rom Brownhi l l Countr ys ide Centre or emai l env.brownhi l [email protected] . R ing 0161 770 4056

Wednesday 14 September Wednesday 12 October Mini Makers @ Bankfield Museum For under-fives & their families/carers during term time. Join in the craft activities based on the objects and art at Bankfield Museum, & enjoy a story. £2 per child. 10.30am-noon. Contac t Fiona Wil letts on 01422 284451. B ankf ie ld Museum, B oothtown Road, Hal i fax HX3 6HG

Saturday 17 September Go Wild Woodland Foray Families hunt for berries & late summer goodies. B ooking essent ia l. £1 per person. 2–4pm Hol l ingwor th Lake Countr y Park . R ing 01706 373421

Saturday 17 September Kiss it Better Baby First Aid Workshop For expectant & new parents (newborns welcome!). 11am-1pm £12.50 each. Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 September Kiss It Better First Aid for Parents Learn how to feel confident in a first aid situation with your child. 2pm-6pm both days. £50 each, including first aid manual. Booking essential. QUOTE FAMILIES PENNINES FOR A 10% DISCOUNT. R ing Emerald Brook 07903 655195 w w w.kiss i tbetter f i rsta id.co.uk Cote Royd House, 7 Hal i fax Road, Edger ton, Huddersf ie ld HD 3AN

Sunday 18 September Huddersfield Canal Fun Day Craft & charity stalls, face painting, bouncy castle, climbing wall, Diggle Band & Oldham Theatre Workshop special outdoor theatre production. Free entr y. 11am-3pm, D iggle Tip f ie ld, of f S am Road, D iggle. w w w.huddersf ie ldcanal.com or r ing 0161 7702198

Saturday 24 September Bong Soon - A Windy Tale You can hear Bong Soon coming for miles. Her pumps & trumps wake small children, frighten goats, blow pheasants out of trees. She tries to keep quiet – but she can’t – and so storytelling, music & puppetry swirl together to tell one of Korea’s naughtiest & best-loved tales. Tickets £4.50 chi ld/£6 adult. 11am & 2pm Lawrence B at ley Theatre, Q ueen’s S quare, Huddersf ie ld HD1 2SP 01484 430528 w w w.thelbt.org

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 September Halifax Model Railway Club annual exhibition 20 layouts (British, Continental & American), 20 trade stands. 10am-5pm Family £14, Adult £5, Child £3. Nor th Br idge Leisure Centre, Nor th Br idge, Hal i fax HX3 6TE 01422 371489

Sunday 25 September Lake Litter Pick Help the Rangers with a litter pick around the lake. All equipment provided. 1–3pm, Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre

Saturday 1 October Sketch & shoot! Hands-on workshop for children & their grown-ups. Make visual arts, photography & animation. 11am & 2pm Child £2.50, adult £4. Lawrence B at ley Theatre, Q ueen’s S quare, Q ueen’s St Huddersf ie ld HD1 2SP 01484 430528 w w w.thelbt.org

Sunday 2 October Woodland Festival A day full of woodland events for all the family. Fun activities, stalls & woodland demonstrations. 11am–4pm Hol l ingwor th Lake Countr y Park . 01706 373421

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 October Meet A Hedgehog Meet Sue Lewis & hedgehogs from Rochdale Hedgehog Rescue at the Visitor Centre. Sue will give a talk on Sunday at 2.30pm. 11am – 4pm Hol l ingwor th Lake Vis i tor Centre R ing 01706 373421

What's On September /October

Families Pennines tries to get the details right – but sometimes things change so please check before you travel.

Want your event listing? email the details to editor@famil iespennines.co.uk



counting on you!



For more events visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/whatson


Whether your child is pre-school, at school or you have a mixture, there’s a club or a class out there for them in the Pennines this autumn. Louise Bennett and Robina Cowan report.

Out-of-school activities give your child a chance to shine and have fun outside the classroom. Hobbies lead to new friends, they reveal hidden talents and develop skills that could become a real advantage one day.

For pre-school parents, clubs & classes are an opportunity for them to make friends and avoid feeling isolated too, as well as a socialising and skill-building time for their young child.

There really is plenty of variety to choose from, as we’ve been finding out. Try our advertisers - they're here because they want you to know about them and will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Music Music gives amazing educational and developmental benefits. From just three months,

babies actively enjoy music groups. As soon as they can shake a rattle, they can join in too. Belting out a song teaches rhythm and helps develop speech.

Those hand actions you do when you sing nursery rhymes? They boost spatial reasoning, which will later be useful in maths and science. Playing an instrument is great for dexterity and co-ordination. It teaches teamwork and responsibility, and improves concentration and memory.

Jo Jingles offers fun, interactive music and movement classes for babies and children from 3 months to 5 years throughout the Pennines.

Weekly sessions introduce children to music through the use of nursery rhymes, action songs, musical instruments and movement. Classes are split into different age groups, with Kerry and Jo using lots of age-appropriate props to make things

exciting such as wings, streamers, bubbles, a parachute, soft toys and puppets.

Jo Jingles classes enable you to have fun with your child and see them interact with other babies and children of a similar age.

Classes run in a variety of Pennine locations

For more information cal l Kerr y on 01422 820425 or Jo on 01706 212889 or v is i t the websites w w w.joj ingles.com/hal i fax or w w w.joj ingles.com/rossendale

Active Bodies Regular exercise is hugely beneficial to long term health and fitness. It helps concentration too - 61% of young people claim to be better behaved in PE than other lessons, in most cases simply because they enjoy it more. This is particularly true for boys. For children who admit to misbehaving at school, 73% claim to be better behaved in PE lessons.

For school-age children, Colne Valley Black Belt Academy offers children as young as 4 the opportunity to learn drills and skills in their Little Ninjas programme.

Clubs and Classes

For more information al l year round, chi ldren's ac t iv i t ies are a lso l i s ted at w w w.familiespennines.co.uk/director y


Martial arts are renowned for helping children and adults develop respect, self-discipline, confidence and concentration. Little Ninjas that show good behaviour and a desire to learn are invited to join the Little Ninjas black belt club where the key personal skills are developed alongside the karate through effective goal setting.

The children thoroughly enjoy themselves: “It makes me faster and fit – I love karate,” says Karstan, aged 5. Jamie, aged 8, adds, “"It helps me concentrate more and I have a lot of fun doing karate."

Parents are happy too. One mother credits karate with helping her son, who has speech problems, to control his frustration so well that his school life became much calmer and his confidence soared. After three years he’s on his way to a black belt. “Karate gives him a sense of pride and achievement and above all it makes him happy…I couldn’t ask for more," she says.

CVBBA encourage those new to the sport to try it thoroughly first

before committing to lessons. Children of primary school age are invited to a FREE trial week of sessions so they can be sure it’s right for them.

And if you’re looking for a birthday party with a difference, CVBBA offer Kung Fu Panda parties. To f ind out more about par t ies and lessons r ing them on 01484 844386 or v is i t the website w w w.c vbba.co.uk

For younger children, Tumble Tots is a great way to get them off to a good, healthy start. Monique Brennan has 13 years’ experience of helping people to be confident in developing their child’s physical ability. “Lots of people ring me once their child is a toddler, clambering up, over and under everything in the house – but parents can bring their children along to Gymbabes from 6 months.”

Tumble Tots has offered classes from 6 months upwards for years – so Monique’s delighted that recent Government advice on physical exercise for children suggests exactly the kind of activities Gymbabes provides for the very young.

One of the unexpected benefits that Gymbabes parents experience is the luxury of uninterrupted playtime with their baby. There’s no temptation to just fill the washing machine, answer the phone or prepare

a meal. “Babies learn more between 6 and 18 months than at any other time,” explains Monique, “so it’s a wonderful time to have space to focus on seeing your child develop towards crawling and walking without any distractions for you or them.” Parents also benefit from meeting other parents of children of a similar age.

As the children develop their skills, Gymbabes become Tumble Tots and start developing greater

independence and concentration – all useful skills for when they start school.

To f ind out more, r ing Monique on 01484 689467 or v is i t w w w.tumbletots.com/huddersf ie ld

Clubs and Classes


Swimming Swimming is one of those must-have life skills and Pennine parents have lots of opportunities to ensure their children learn – not least through school. But if you’d like to see your child find their waterwings before school then you can start them really early with Swimbabes from 4 weeks onwards.

Founder Laura Molloy was inspired to start Swimbabes eight years ago after seeing her son Joshua benefit from baby swimming lessons in Manchester from five weeks onwards, despite having a serious congenital heart defect. “Joshua had a brilliant time at his swimming lessons. He enjoyed being in the water and it was a very rewarding time for both of us,” says Laura.

She trained as a baby swim instructor, gave up her job after the arrival of daughter Evie and started Swimbabes at a hydro-pool in Huddersfield in the summer of 2003. Now Swimbabes offers lessons throughout Yorkshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire, employs 15 staff and teaches 1600 babies to swim every week.

“Setting up Swimbabes was the best thing I ever did,” enthuses Laura. “The smiles from mum and baby in the Swimbabes classes are unparalleled.

Joshua had successful heart surgery and for every place booked on a Swimbabes course, £1 is donated to The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund in Leeds.

Swimbabes is also dedicated to ensuring babies are taught using the right equipment. They have a shop in Holmfirth and an online shop at their website w w w.swimbabes.co.uk where you can also f ind out detai ls of your nearest c lass or r ing them on 01484 683570.

Splish Splosh Swimming School offers lessons in Halifax and Huddersfield for babies from 3 months right through to adults. They also cater for disabled swimmers and people who want to be competitive swimmers.

Splish Splosh founder, Vicky Pettit, says swimming is more than a sport, “It’s a life-saving skill that can enhance the lives of all those who embrace it.” But she also knows that it’s great fun too for all ages: “We’ve taught babies from as young as 9 weeks to grandparents who want to be able to swim with their grandchildren.”

In the build-up to the Olympics in London next year, Splish Splosh has teamed up with Commonwealth medallist and British Olympic team hopeful, Kate Haywood. She’s posting regular blogs on the Splish Splosh website to encourage fellow swimmers’ interest in the event.

Splish Splosh pride themselves in having a maximum of eight pupils in the pool at one time – and for those who are impressed with the School’s approach there’s an incentive to tell others. “We have a referral scheme,” explains Vicky. “If you tell a friend and they book a 10 week course, you get a FREE lesson.” One enthusiast referred eight friends and ended up paying for only 2 lessons on her child’s next course.

I f you want to f ind out more, r ing 0844 2641102, or v is i t w w w.spl ishsploshswimmingschool.co.uk

Arts and Crafts Children love to get messy, and the chance to create their own piece of art is something special. Even the smallest child loves the sensation of clay between fingers, or the thrill of splodging finger paints on paper. Expressing themselves through the arts - whether through painting, drawing, story writing or making 'junk models' - gives children the freedom to unleash their creativity and push boundaries.

By providing a balance and a creative outlet, art skills complement and assist literacy and numeracy skills in the classroom. If you’re not artistically inclined yourself, or never have the time to sit down and help your child create a wonderful cushion, collage or clay model, why not leave it to the experts?

An innovative and award winning programme for pre-school children is being launched in the Pennines this autumn. The Creation Station’s hands-on art and craft exploration sessions give even very young children the chance to safely experiment with a wide range of materials, tools and ideas.

Littleborough mum, Neela Jackson, is leading the weekly, term-time programme for youngsters and their parents/carers at a variety of venues across the Pennines. Neela was previously a lecturer in art and design


at Tameside College but wanted a change of career after the birth of her daughter. Now her daughter is at school, Neela feels she’s found the perfect outlet for her artistic knowledge and skills, whilst being able to find the work-life balance that she wants with her daughter.

To celebrate the launch, everyone buying a taster session will get a second session for FREE.

Neela’s looking forward to inspiring children’s imaginations and helping parents develop positive parenting skills through practical creative play. She says a particular plus point for parents is that, “even when we get messy using paints and clay they don’t have the worry and stress of cleaning up like they would at home.”

And if you’re looking for an inspirational party idea for ages 1-11 ask Neela about a Creation Station Arty Party. For fur ther information and to book a taster sess ion contac t Neela on 0844 854 9092 or v is i t w w w.thecreat ionstat ion.co.uk to download a f ree booklet ful l of exc it ing play ideas.

Five benefits of extra-curricular activities1 Curriculum boosting After-school activities and clubs are a great way to complement and extend what children have precious little time for at school, especially art, music and languages

2 Socialising Claire, mother of four under 10 year-olds, believes it is important for children to make new friends outside school: “It really helps them stand on their own and develop their confidence. There isn’t that pecking order thing that you have in the playground. It’s a chance to break out of whatever mould you’ve been cast in”

3 After-school care When both parents work, after-school activities on school premises can be incredibly valuable. Most schools offer a mix of teacher—run and externally—organised clubs after school, and even at weekends

4 A sense of achievement Amanda says: “Kitty, 8, has just reached purple belt and she has been made karate captain. She’s very proud, it’s tremendously good for her.”

5 For all the family When Patrick started tennis lessons, his parents were inspired to get active too. Mum Maria has joined a tennis club for adult group coaching, and Dad Mike cycles to and from Patrick’s lessons with him.

Practical Considerations A Let them chill Remember children get exhausted too - give them time to themselves. Children should choose and be given a taste of each activity before deciding if they want to commit to it long-term - there’s no gain in putting your child under pressure.

B Think ahead You may need to put your child’s name on a waiting list

C Great staff The best leaders are enthusiastic, skilled, trained, and have eyes in the back of their heads to spot children who need a little more encouragement, particularly when they are new and might feel shy

D Additional costs Will you need specialist clothes or equipment? Does the club offer these second-hand? Is there an annual subscription or insurance charge? How much are exam fees?

E Look-see Many clubs offer a free trial class, especially if they run on a term basis. If that’s not possible, ask to pay weekly for the first two sessions

F Give it time Some children are prone to dropping out. Unless you think they are completely and utterly unsuited to the activity, or really, really hate it, stick it out for at least a couple of terms.

More Pennine clubs & classes Baby Ballet 01422 329471 w w w.babybal let.co.uk

Funky Monkeys Music 01484 844747 w w w.funkymonkeysmusic.co.uk

Stagecoach Huddersfield 01943 510095 w w w.stagecoach.co.uk/huddersf ie ld

Stagecoach Halifax 01422 357678 w w w.stagecoach.co.uk/hal i fax

Stagecoach Oldham 01204 301320 w w w.stagecoarch.co.uk/oldham

Jet Performing Arts Studios 07799 160077 w w w.jet-studios.co.uk

Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre 01706 370499 w w w.l ink4l i fe.org/holwac

Socatots 07919 151339 w w w.socatots.com/calderdale

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines

Baby and toddler swimming lessons at warm, local pools for ages 1 to 18 months.

www.swimbabes.co.uk t:01484 683570

Check out our unique swim, holiday and outdoor shop online and in Holmfirth.

www.urchinkids.co.ukFollow Urchin Kids on Facebook.

tel:01422 822473

New ranges now in - brands include: I Love Gorgeous, No Added Sugar, Mayoral,

Scotch Shrunk, Little Joules, Emile et Rose.

New for October: Noa Noa Ladies & Miniature - something for the mums!

Top Model gifts now in: plus exciting fashion design/model

competition - see in store for details.

£10 OFF if you spend£30 or more with this ad!



counting on you!Antenatal First Aid

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email: [email protected]

Hand painted murals for childrens bedrooms and playrooms

Interested? Contact Carl:01457 873103 / 07773 036593

Any design, any budget catered for

Please visit my website to view examples of my work

Colne Valley Business Park Linthwaite Huddersfield

01484 844386 www.cvbba.co.uk

Respect Self-control Self-discipline Fitness

Fun Friendship Team workConcentration Confidence

21 Court St, Uppermill, Saddleworth tel: 01457 810566

www.countrysidekids.co.uk

Supplier of Prams, Nursery Furniture & Toys to the Pennines

Exciting Range of Traditional, Wooden and Branded Toys

families pennines issue 4 september-october 2011

Documents

p e n n i n e sthe

fun music

fun songs

king street huddersfieldwww

school key things parents

school year

family tickets

pot studio pots of fun